Running Fashionably Late: Frugal Fashion Finds

When I was little, I loved to watch 'Star Search.' My favorite part was the supermodel showcase. I would turn to my mom and say, "I'm going to be a modeler when I grow up."

Yeah, that dream crashed and burned.

Problem #1: I'm 5'4"
Problem #2: I like to eat. A lot.
Problem #3: I don't like cigarettes or cocaine.

By the time I started high school, I had a new career in mind: fashion writer. I love fashion, I enjoy writing - why not merge the two?

Seemed like a perfectly realistic goal, until I realized the following:

Problem #1: I don't want to move to NYC.
Problem #2: I don't want to work for Anna Wintour.
Problem #3: Magazines aren't really hiring right now.

But then I got to thinking: Just because I have some cards stacked against me, doesn't mean I can't write about fashion on my own terms. After all, 'fashionably' is in the title of my blog.

So, each Friday, I will post my favorite fashion finds of the week. And the best part: they will all be under $100. I rarely spend more than that on an article of clothing, and I don't think many women my age do either. There's nothing I hate more than flipping through InStyle and falling in love with a pair of shoes only to look at the price and see that they cost more than my rent.

This week, as summer slips further away and fall descends upon us, I decided to post items from both seasons.

I love shopping at the end of the season. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on essentials and pay next to nothing. I've been looking for a beach bag all summer and stumbled upon this straw tote from Anthropologie. It's only $9.95! And guaranteed, this will not be out of style next year.

Anthropologie Sea Geology Tote

This tank is a great transition piece. It comes in purple (shown below), blue and black. I'm still not sold on the price tag, but I love it so much I may just have to splurge.

Anthropologie Twisted Tank

As soon as these babies are under $60, they are MINE. So versatile-I'd wear them to work or out for drinks (as long as I knew I was staying in one place for the night. Can't be walking 10 miles in 4" heels.) Available in twelve different prints/colors and in suede, leather, synthetic or faux fur.

Nine West Bonfire Peep Toe Pumps

I absolutely adore the color of this coat - it's the perfect shade for fall and would jazz up any outfit. I have a jacket from GAP in the same material and it is so warm and comfortable. Bonus: it's on sale! (The word "sale" is my kryptonite if you haven't noticed.)

GAP Moleskin Coat

Working in D.C., I see way more navy blue and black than any person ever should. Why do people feel the need to dress stuffy, drab and boring just because you're going to work? I find that if I'm wearing a fun outfit, my energy is more positive. Sure, going to work is depressing, but you shouldn't take it out on your clothes. This skirt is out of the ordinary and still office- appropriate.

Forever 21 Abstract Printed Skirt

Apparently leather biker jackets are all the rage this fall. I found a cute one on sale in the Nordstrom BP department. (The only area of that fashion utopia I can afford.)